Hyve Group to launch online marketplace for B2B retail

The Online Marketplace is a brand extension to the heritage brands Spring & Autumn Fair, two live events which are now complemented by a 365 digital trading platform. It will allow brands to access serious, vetted buyers all year round, deepen relationships started at the live events at the NEC, generate leads and take online orders.

Buyers can find new products from loved and trusted brands, discover new brands online, build their collections and shop with ease throughout the year.

Officially launching on the 4th May 2021, the Online Marketplace will initially be home to 50 curated brands across the gift, toy, homeware, beauty, and wellbeing categories but will also be open to more brands at a discounted rate.

Speaking on behalf of Hyve Group, Julie Driscoll, managing director UK Retail and Fashion said, "With the Online Marketplace we are giving our retail community an additional trading platform. Spring and Autumn Fair are the first omnichannel retail trade events in the UK to do this. As we move forward, our focus is on refuelling retail for 2021 and beyond, supporting our community in recovering from the pandemic and building back stronger than ever."

Hyve Group is partnering with Events United to offer this digital e-commerce platform. Owned by Picaflor, Events United specialises in creating digital extensions to physical events with extensive experience within the retail sphere. On top of its digital development, Hyve Group will also be launching a Curated Meetings programme for 2021. Designed to connect the community at its in-person shows, the Curated Meetings programme will connect pre-qualified buyers, who are actively sourcing, to relevant, high-quality suppliers through pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings. The team will be trialling the concept at Autumn Fair 2021 with a full roll out of the programme expected for Spring Fair 2022.